The answer to the question of what is sodium benzoate can be: this is a food additive related to preservatives, is indicated by the symbol E211 and has the formula C6H5COONa. Being a salt of benzoic acid, this white powder is odorless or it may have a slight smell of benzaldehyde. This substance was discovered by Hugo Fleck in 1875 and was intended to replace salicylic acid. It was allowed for use in the United States in 1908.
Considering what sodium benzoate is, it is impossible not to note its strong inhibitory effects on molds and yeast. It overwhelmingly affects the activity of cellular enzymes of fungi, which are responsible for redox reactions. This substance also acts on enzymes that break down starch and fats. In small quantities, it is found in natural products such as mustard and cloves, raisins, cinnamon, cranberries and apples.
As a dietary supplement, this compound is allowed in the countries of Europe and Russia, but recently European researchers have been actively studying it, they have revealed a negative effect of a substance such as sodium benzoate. Harm was discovered by combining it with artificial colors. In these cases, this element affects the behavior of children and adults. It is recommended to exclude its combination with dyes such as E102, 104, 110, 122, 124, 129.
As a preservative, it is used in fish and meat products, mayonnaise, margarine, ketchup, fruit and berry products and for the production of carbonated sweet drinks. Sodium benzoate can be harmful when found in products that contain vitamin C. In these cases, it forms carcinogenic benzene in concentrations exceeding the maximum permissible limits.
It is used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. In medicine, it is used as an expectorant, which is part of combination drugs. It is also used in aviation, where it is used as the main component in the composition of inhibited paper, which protects the details of galvanic and aluminum coatings. In pyrotechnics, it is found in rockets that make a distinctive sound when launched.
Studies by molecular biologist Professor Piper describe sodium benzoate (harm, mainly) as an element that affects mitochondria. This can be a trigger for Parkinson's disease and neurodegenerative diseases.
Numerous experiments performed on mammals were conducted to study the effect of this substance on humans. Basically, experts agreed that this compound is relatively harmless to the human body. Sodium benzoate can be harmful in the form of a causative agent of allergic reactions, dermatitis and other minor side effects. It is not yet possible to completely exclude its effect at the genetic level due to insufficient research. In any case, it is necessary to adhere to approved dosages that are safe.
This substance has found another application in medicine as part of the drug “Caffeine Sodium Benzoate”. An indication for its use is a decrease in physical and mental performance, as well as increased drowsiness, headaches of vascular origin and migraine, moderate arterial hypotension. It is also actively used in bodybuilding. The specified drug is used as a fat burner, in combination with other nutritional supplements intended for bodybuilding.
Take this tool should be careful in connection with the possible hypersensitivity to its components. You also need to know that the use of this medication in high doses can cause anxiety disorders, organic diseases of the cardiovascular system, arterial hypertension, paroxysmal tachycardia, ventricular extrasystole. It is not recommended to appoint it to children under 12 years old, since sleep disturbances are possible.